when is the best time to harvest marihuana buds

One of the most important moments for any grower is deciding when to harvest marihuana. Choosing the right moment will make the difference between potent, tasty and aromatic cannabis buds, or a weak, low-quality harvest.

In this guide, you will learn how to know when to cut your marihuana plant, the differences between autoflowering and photoperiod strains, and the ideal harvest months in the northern and southern hemispheres.

How to know when to harvest marihuana

Many novice growers ask themselves: ‘How do I know when to cut my cannabis plant?’ Although the most accurate way is to observe the trichomes with a magnifying glass, there are several indicators you can look out for to decide when to harvest cannabis:

Pistils

• At first they are white and straight.

When between 70% and 80% of the pistils turn brown or orange, the cannabis buds are almost ready.

Trichomes

• Transparent: still some time to go.
• Milky: maximum THC content and potency.
• Amber: more relaxing and physical effect.

General appearance

• The cannabis buds should be dense, compact and resinous.
• The plant will begin to lose large leaves, turning yellow naturally.

When to harvest autoflowering vs photoperiod marihuana plants

The type of genetics greatly influences when to harvest cannabis, i.e. whether it is autoflowering or photoperiod plants.

Autoflowering

• They do not depend on daylight hours.
• They are ready between 8 and 12 weeks after germination.
• Perfect for several harvests per year.

Photoperiod

• They need a 12/12 light cycle to flower.
• Flowering lasts between 8 and 12 weeks after the change.
• In this case, patience is key to ensuring that the cannabis buds grow to their maximum size.

When to harvest marihuana in the northern and southern hemispheres

In addition to visual indicators, the month of harvest also depends on the climate and location.

Northern Hemisphere (Spain, Mexico, Europe, USA)

• Sowing: March – May.
• Flowering: July – August.
• Harvest:
  • Indicas: late September – October.
  • Sativas: October – November.

Southern Hemisphere (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Australia)

• Sowing: September – November.
• Flowering: January – February.
• Harvest:
  • Indicas: March – April.
  • Sativas: April – May (some until June).

Common mistakes when deciding when to harvest marihuana

1. Cutting too early: the cannabis buds do not reach their maximum potency.
2. Waiting too long: the THC degrades and the effect becomes more sedative.
3. Forgetting to dry and cure: a fundamental part of improving flavour, aroma and preservation.

Conclusion

Now you know when to harvest marihuana and what the key signs are to look out for. Whether you grow autoflowering or photoperiod plants, the key is to observe the pistils, trichomes and appearance of the cannabis buds.

The next time you ask yourself ‘when should I cut my cannabis plant’, remember: the answer is in the details. And if you want to ensure quality, aroma and potency, waiting a little longer is always better than cutting too early.